Warp beam or the like end flange



Oct. 26, 1965 c. A. slNQUEr-'IELD 3,214,112

wARP BEAM 0R THE LIKE END FLANGE Filed May 29, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 CHARLES A SINQUEFIELD BY aidu/ww A TTORNEY` Oct. 26, 1965 c. A. SINQUEFIELD WARP BEAM OR THE LIKE END FLANGE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 29, 1963 FIG? INVENTOR.

CHARLES A. SlNQUEFlELD a/a/wz IUI IF A TTORNEKS Oct 26, 1965 c. A. SINQUEFIELD 3,214,112

WARP BEAM OR THE LIKE END FLANGE INVENTOR.

CHARLES A. SINQUEFIELD BY MMX @u A TTORNEYJI United States Patent O Filed May 29, 1963, Ser. No. 284,099 11 Claims. (Cl. 242-118.@

This invention relates to warp beams and the like, and more particularly to end flanges therefor.

End flanges of warp beams or the like, especially the larger ones, commonly include external reinforcing parts or elements, such as radial ribs, for providing the strength and stiffness required to withstand the high pressures exerted against the flanges consequent upo-n winding threads, yarns or other filaments under tension and in large amounts on the beam structure. Since some warp beams -or similar spool like structures are frequently operated at high speeds, eg., of the order of 1,000 r.p.m., the external ribs or protuberances create considerable air disturbance .around the warping equipment. This is objectionable, and may even be dangerous to the warper operator.

An object of the present invention is to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages by providing a warp beam or the like end flange which is formed, preferably unitarily, of inner and outer skins or webs and internal connecting elements between 4the webs, the material of the entire flange structure being so deployed as to provide a high rigidity and strength to weight ratio.

Another object of the invention is to provide an end llange of the character stated in which the outer as well as the inner web is substantially smooth on `its outer surface, at least being free of radiating ribs or other protuberanoes capable of lcreating substantial ai-r disturbance when rotated at high speed.

A further object of the invention is to provide an end llange as outlined above, and .in which the webs and connecting elements therebetween are so relatively .arranged that the entire flange structure may be cast in one piece and in such form that the sand core used in casting may easily be removed.

Other objects will become apparent from a reading of the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective View of a warp beam including end flanges according to the invention, one flange and an adjacent part of a warp beam barrel being shown in section;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal section on the line 2-2 of FIGURE 3, drawn on an enlarged scale compared to `FIGURE 1, and showing portions of an end flange and barrel in section and other parts yin elevation;

FIGURE 3 is a transverse section on the line 3*-3 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary detailed longitudinal section showing a connection between an end flange and the barrel, drawn ona still further enlarged scale;

FIGURE 5 is a view partly in elevation as viewed in the direction of the arrow 5 in FIGURE 7, with part of an end flange inner web broken away, an internal rib and bridging elements being shown in section;

FIGURE 6 is a view partly in elevation as viewed in the direction of the arrow 6 in FIGURE 7, again s-howing an internal rib and bridging elements in section;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary section on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 5, drawn on an enlarged scale; and

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary section on the line 8 8 of FIGURE 5, drawn on an enlarged scale.

The invention may be embodied in end flanges forming parts of warp beams or similar spools or winding drums, and is especially useful in c-onnection with suc-l1 constructions in which large pressures or forces are exerted against warp beam or winding drum end flanges lor head-s, as for example when winding particularly strong threads, yarns or other filaments. In accordance with the invention, and end flange for such a construction is so formed or constructed as to be essentially smooth, not only on its inner face against which threads, yarns or filaments are to be wound, but also on its outer face, the smoothness of the outer face eliminating objectionable characteristics previously referred to, especially the creation of air disturbances or noise and even danger which have attended the operation of externally ribbed or reinforced end flanges previously used. For lightness, but `still with ample strength, the end flange of the present invention is of double walled construction, comprising inner and outer skins -or webs held together in spaced relation by connecting internal elements between the webs and covered by the latter. In one preferred construction, such an end flange is cast integrally and may include, as the required connecting elements, internal ribs extending from lor substantially from a hub to or substantially to the periphery of the flange. In the case of large units having considerable radial dimensions or when unusually large winding pressures are encountered, the connecting elements may comprise lauxiliary elements, for example relatively small bridging elements extending across the space between the flange webs and being connected to both webs, these bridging elements being dispersed throughout sector shaped spaces between the radial ribs.

A representative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings as forming part of a warp beam generally designated WB comprising a tubular barrel B and end flanges generally designated EF secured to the barrel B by .a construction generally designated S.

The two end flanges EF are of similar construction so that a description of one, in this case the end flange at the left in FIGURE 1, will suflice. This end flange EF is of double walled construction, cast in one piece, to include an inner web 1, an outer web 2 connected to the web 1, and held in spaced relation to the latter by angularly spaced internal radial ribs 3 and bridging elements 4, and .a hub 5. The end flange EF being cast in one piece, the webs 1 and 2, the ribs 3, the bridging elements 4 and the hub 5 are constituted by the same parent metal. As shown in the drawings, the means for connecting the webs 1 and 2 together have filleted junctions with the webs. The ribs 3 extend from the hub 5 to the peripheries of the webs 1 and 2 where the ends of the ribs are thickened at 3a. Peripheral bridging elemen-ts 4a are deployed with respect to one another `and the thickened rib portions 3a around the margin of the flange EF in a manner to pr-ovide spaces 6 opening radially outwardly at the periphery through which core sand may readily be removed from the one-piece casting. Core sand may also be removed through the open space generally designated 7 surrounding the hub S and communicating wit-h the sector shaped spaces defined by the ribs 3 and the webs 1 and 2.

As thus far described, an end flange according to the invention comprises axially spaced inner and outer webs 1 and 2, connecting elements 3, 3a, 4 and 4a in the space between the Webs, fixed with respect to the latter to hold the webs in axially spaced relation, and a central hub 5 fixed with respect to the webs. Each of the connecting elements is formed integrally, as by casting, with the webs. The bridging elements 4 are dispersed throughout sector shaped spaces defined by the webs 1 and 2, and the ribs 3. The construction, especially the arrangement of internal web connecting and reinforcing means, is such that the end flange may readily be cast as a single piece, yet the core sand used in casting may readily be removed. The connecting elements, i.e., the ribs 3, 3a and bridging elements 4, are all within the flange structure, providing the necessary strength while permitting the outside of the structure to be essentially smooth.

The end flange structure EF is also formed with unitarily cast lugs or bosses 8 to cooperate with, or, in a sense, form part of the attaching structure S for connecting the end ange to the barrel B. In the illustrative embodiment, six such bosses 8 are deployed in a circle about the axis of the hub 5, and are formed with longitudinally extending openings for receiving attaching screw fasteners 9 adapted to have threaded engagement with a ring or collar assembly comprising three segments 10 having rim portions 11 received in an internal circular recess 12 in the barrel B. The segments 10 have spaced but adjacent substantially radial faces formed with substantially semicircular recesses, pairs of whi-ch provide openings 13 which receive expanding pins 14 formed with tapered ends. The segments 10 may be inserted in the barrel B loosely and the pins 14 then pressed or driven into the openings 13 to spread the segments and bring their rims 11 into firm and locked engagement with the root of the circular recess 12. Thereafter, the iiange EF may be secured to the barrel B in the relation shown in FIGURE 2 by extending the securing screws 9 through the openings in the bosses 8 and threading the screws into the locking assembly comprising the three segments 10. As shown in FIGURE 2, the heads of the screws 9 are well within the space between the flange webs 1 and 2. To enable insertion and tightening of the screws 9, the outer web 2 is formed with access openings 15 aligned respectively with the longitudinal openings in the bosses 8.

Although the unitary casting is formed with peripheral openings, as at 6, it is generally desirable to close these openings and provide the end flange EF with a continuously smooth outer peripheral surface. For this purpose, a steel or other suitable material band or tire 16 is shrunk onto the periphery of the casting. Preferably, the band 16 has a wavy or undulating cross section and the periphery of the end ange casting is formed similarly so that the band 16, once shrunken into place, will be held against ac-cidental displacement.

For mounting and driving a warp beam equipped with end anges embodying the invention, the flanges may be provided with gudgeons, one of which is shown at 17, mounted in the hub 5 and having a disk like flange 18 tted into a recessed part 19 of the outer web 2 and secured to the latter by screws 20. At least one of the flanges EF is formed with a pair of drive connector parts, as shown sockets comprising depressed cup-like parts 21 cast integrally with the web 2, which may be fitted with bushings 22. The drive sockets are adapted to receive driving pins on a rotating arbor or other rotary element, and all of the driving effort will be transmitted through the sockets to the entire warp beam structure. Consequently, there will be a concentration of stress in the end flange immediately adjacent to the drive sockets, and this stress will be exerted primarily substantially tangentially to a circle having its center at the axis of the end iiange and passing through the center of the drive socket. For sustaining this localized stress with a minimum use of metal, the unitary casting is formed, adjacent to each cup portion 21, with a at bridging piece 4a spanning the space between the cup-like part 21 and the web 1 and having its longer dimension in the general plane of the end flange extending substantially tangentially to the circle having its center at the axis of the end flange and passing through the center of the drive socket. This disposition of the flat bridging pieces 4a provides for transmission of the necessary driving forces without distortion of the end flange, while at the same time minimizing the amount of metal required and hence the weight of the entire structure.

An end ange according to the invention, while of light and preferably unitary construction, is essentially free of all exterior ribs or otherkreinforcing protuberances which heretofore have generally been considered necessary for use in the larger warp beams or the like required to wind up threads, yarns or other filaments under conditions causing high pressures to be exerted against the inner faces of the end flanges. The elimination of external reinforcements not only does away with air distu-rbances and noise, objectionable and even dangerous to warper operators, but also reduces the power required for warping, and hence reduces the operating cost. High rigidity and strength to weight ratio is achieved by the distribution of metal in the flange webs and connecting elements. Most of the metal is in the skins or webs where it is most effective in providing strength and stiffness. The internal radial ribs constitute only a small part of the metal used, but are nevertheless effective since they are required only to resist shear along the neutral axis and to tie the two webs together.

The disclosed construction embodies the invention in one preferred form, but it is intended that the disclosure be illustrative rather than definitive, the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. A warp beam or the like end ange comprising axially spaced inner and outer substantially circular metallic webs; connecting elements in the space between said webs and being xed with respet to'said webs for holding the webs in axially spaced relation, each of said connecting elements being of the same parent metal as said webs and being formed integrally with at least one of said webs and having filleted junctions With said webs; and a hub tixed with respect to said webs.

2. An unitarily cast warp beam or the like end flange comprising axially spaced inner and outer substantially circular metallic webs; connecting elements in the space between said webs and being xed with respect to said webs for holding the webs in axially spaced relation, said connecting elements being of the same parent metal as said Webs and being formed integrally with said webs and having illeted junctions with said webs; and a hub cast integrally with said webs and said connecting elements.

3. A warp beam or the like end ange comprising axially spaced inner and outer substantially circular metallic webs; a central metallic hub; and means having lleted junctions with said webs and connecting said Webs and hub, said means and said hub being constituted by the same parent metal as said Webs and said means comprising internal ribs extending radially from said hub between said webs and being formed integrally with at least one of said Webs and with said hub, and being fixed with respect to the other of said Webs.

4. An unitarily cast warp beam or the like end flange comprising axially spaced inner and outer substantially circular metallic webs; a central metallichub; and means having lleted junctions with said webs and connecting said webs and hub comprising internal ribs extending radially from said hub between said webs and being cast integrally with both said webs and said hub.

5. A warp beam or the like end ange comprising axially spaced inner and outer substantially circular metallic webs; a central metallic hub; and means having lleted junctions with said Webs and connecting said webs and hub comprising angularly spaced internal ribs extending radially from said hub between said webs andl Vdening sector shaped spaces therebetween, and a plutending radially within the space between said webs and defining sector shaped spaces, and a plurality of bridging connecting elements dispersed throughout each of said sector shaped spaces, said connecting means and said hub being constituted by the same parent metal as said webs and said connecting means maintaining said webs spaced from one another throughout their facial extents whereby the space between said webs opens radially outwardly at the periphery of said ange and opens outwardly of said flange adjacent said hub; and means surrounding said liange peripheries and providing a continuous outer rim on said liange.

7. A Warp beam or the like end iiange according to claim 6 in which said ribs extend from said hub to the peripheries of said webs and in which some only of said bridging connecting elements are located at the peripheries of said webs and are circumferentially spaced from one another.

8. A warp beam or the like end llange comprising axially spaced inner and outer substantially circular metallic webs, the outer web having a drive connector part adapted to be engaged by a driving element; connecting elements in the space between said webs and being xed with respect to said webs for holding the webs in axially spaced relation, each of said connecting elements being of the same parent metal as said webs and being formed integrally with at least one of said webs and having lleted junctions with said webs, and one of said connecting elements spanning the space between said webs where said outer web has said drive connector part; and a hub fixed with respect to said webs.

9. A warp beam or the like end ange comprising axially spaced inner and outer substantially circular webs, the outer web being formed with a cup shaped drive socket extending into the space between the webs and terminating in spaced relation to the inner web; connecting elements in the space between said Webs and being fixed with respect to said webs for holding the webs in axially spaced relation, each of said connecting elements being formed integrally with at least one of said webs and one of said connecting elements being fast with said drive socket and said inner web, and spanning the space between said drive socket and said inner web; and a hub fixed with respect to said webs.

10. A warp beam or the like end iiange according to claim 9 in which said one of said connecting elements is in the form of a at bridging piece with its longer dimension in the general plane of the end flange extending substantially tangentially to a circle having its center at the axis of the end iiange and passing through the center of said drive socket.

11. A warp beam or the like end ange comprising axially spaced inner and outer substantially circular metallic webs; connecting elements in the space between said webs and being xed with respect to said webs for holding the webs in axially spaced relation, each of saidv connecting elements being of the same parent metal as said Webs and being formed integrally with at least one of said webs and having iilleted junction with said webs; a hub xed with respect to said webs; a plurality of bosses fast with said inner web, deployed circumferentially about said hub and having respective boss openings for receiving fasteners for securing said end liange to a barrel, said bosses being spaced axially of said end ange from the outer web; and a plurality of access openings in said outer web aligned respectively with said boss openings for enabling insertion of fasteners into said boss openings from outside said outer web.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,475,209 1 1/ 23 Tuttle 242-77.3 1,478,805 12/ 23 Tuttle 242-118.6 2,426,464 8/ 47 Menkng 242-1 18.6 2,704,642 3/55 Harris et al. 242-118.6

MERVIN STEIN, Primary Examiner. 

3. A WARP BEAM OR THE LIKE END FLANGE COMPRISING AXIALLY SPACED INNER AND OUTER SUBSTANTIALLY CIRCULAR METALLIC WEBS; A CENTRAL METALLIC HUB; AND MEANS HAVING FILLETED JUNCTIONS WITH SAID WEBS AND CONNECTING SAID WEBS AND HUB, SAID MEANS AND SAID HUBF BEING CONSTITUTED BY THE SAME PARENT METAL AS SAID WEBS AND SAID MEANS COMPRISING INTERNAL RIBS EXTENDING RADIALLY FROM SAID HUB BETWEEN SAID WEBS AND BEING FORMED INTEGRALLY WITH AT LEAST 